Throughout the world, there is one thing that every developing country seems to have in common. No, it is not Starbucks and McDonalds, corrupt politicians, and scandals. It is the effect of society on us and our uniqueness. Society has a way of altering our minds to make us behave according to what is considered “normal” or “appropriate.” Oftentimes, we are so conditioned by society that we fail to see our lives becoming colorless and dull.
A short film called “Alike,” written a directed by two Madrid-based animators, Daniel Martinez Lara and Rafa Cano Mendez. Though there is no dialogue, the 7-minute long short film is jaw-droppingly powerful in its message. Society squashes us of our creativity and vitality.
You can check out the video here:
Without spoiling the beauty of the film, I wanted to touch on the central themes portrayed by “Alike.”
Humans are born with inherent abilities. Those powers may not be superbly artistic or intellectual. Maybe you are just really good at finding patterns in things, for instance. Or maybe you can connect with people on an emotional level like no one else who know. Yet, society draws us away from these abilities. Society displaces our passions and pours into the gaping void a need for memorization, rules, and rationality.
Now, there is nothing wrong with logic. Without it, people would still probably believe the Earth is flat and that our planet is the center of the solar system. That said, when creativity is mixed with logic and wisdom, only then does greatness happen. One of the best examples known today is Albert Einstein, the genius who was called an idiot by his teachers. However, the man was also undoubtedly creative. Otherwise, he would never have fashioned up the theory of relativity the way he had, nor would he had ever explained it as how time flies when you speak to a beautiful woman compared to holding your hand on a hot stove.
Creativity is necessary for advancement. Without inquiring minds seeking alternative methods for solving issues, there will only be stagnation.
Our realities are meant to be vivid and bright, not gray and stale.
Though we want the best for ourselves by having a comfortable job and living a decent life, remember that there is more to the world than working a 9 to 5 job and entering data into a computer all day long. Do not let society kill your creativity.
With that, here are a couple of ideas to reawaken the sleeping imaginative child deep inside:
Never stop asking questions. Children are imaginative because they never stop asking why and how. If you want to be more creative, you need to start seeking answers through more explorative means than just Google. Seek in-depth answers. Read informative books. Learn new skills. Never let your brain grow bored.
Play. Whatever “play” means to you, do it. Often. That might mean hiking in the woods, pulling apart the computer, or baking for hours. When you are doing something that you enjoy, you are giving yourself room for adventure and discovery.
The second part of play is taking small (or big) risks to break you out of your comfort zone. Take delight in your passions—and pursue them wholeheartedly.
- Be open to new ideas. Never settle for what is given to you. Also, never think that just your perspective is the correct one. Be willing to look at things from every single to angle, and allow for others to present their ways of thinking. This means practicing tolerance for other cultures and showing acceptance for things you cannot change, too.
Society may be killing creativity, but you can fight back by being uniquely you. Do not let what others say you should do drain you of who you are. Find something that moves you and excites your mind. Indulge in the things you like doing. That way, society can never dull your spirit, and you will know happiness.
© 2017. ANDREW MORRISSEY. All Rights Reserved.